"We were really pleased he was there (with the 19th pick). We wanted to get a defenseman . . . especially one with size who can move."

WILL FEEL AT HOME

Klefbom, who doesn't turn 18 until July 20, joins countrymen Linus Omark, Magnus Paajarvi and Anton Lander as part of Edmonton's growing organizational stable of Swedes.

That won't hurt an always trying transition when it eventually comes time for Klefbom to make the jump to North America.

"Of course, it's a lot easier if there's already Swedes over there, so that feels really good," Klefbom said. "Anton Lander is a great guy. I've talked to him many times."

There was a lot of talk going into the first round GM Steve Tambellini would try to move up to get a second high pick, and that the 19th pick would be a bargaining chip in that attempt, but no deal materialized.

"Steve was very busy. He's been very busy all week with a lot of different opportunities," MacGregor said.

"We tried on a number of occasions. We were trying to make a deal there and then Toronto made a deal and that kind of took us out of a deal with Anaheim. He was working the phones. He was trying to get things done."

WHAT ABOUT SMYTH?

Either way, there's still no confirmation from the Oilers, despite plenty of buzz the deal is done, that Smyth is poised for an encore in Edmonton. Perhaps they'll get around to making it official Saturday.

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Smyth's agent reports that he's officially waived his clause to come here. At this point, I can't see how LA could have any leverage in this deal at all. Even if there is really some kind of dispute over the pick, I can't see how LA is in any position to nitpick about it. What . . . they're really prepared to say to Smytty "Sorry, but your deal didn't work out. Best you lace up for practice now. Can't see it. Smytty will be here.

I assume that they aren't announcing the Smyth deal because they don't want to take the spotlight away from the new draftees. They deserve their day of glory.

The scuttlebutt at the moment is that Tambo is having a hard time figuring out if he wants to give up a 4th round pick or 5th. Who knows if that's true, but like Ben Massey said over at C&B, as soon as Lombardi accepted the deal Tambo should have just screamed "KEEP THE CHANGE!".

The scuttlebutt at the moment is that Tambo is having a hard time figuring out if he wants to give up a 4th round pick or 5th. Who knows if that's true, but like Ben Massey said over at C&B, as soon as Lombardi accepted the deal Tambo should have just screamed "KEEP THE CHANGE!".

Is the difference between a 4th and a 5th about $100,000? That might explain it.

I'm only guessing, but I'd think the Oilers were looking to trade down from 19. They probably figured Klefbom would still be there at 22 (or they had a backup they figured was just as good) and were looking to get an extra pick or prospect out of Anaheim who was looking to move up.